Hendrick Cuyler was born in Hasselt, Holland in 1637. He was the son of Isbrant and Evertien Jans Cuyler.

A few years later, his family moved upriver to Beverwyck where he worked as a tailor and entered the fur trade. Arriving after the initial trading boom, he achieved the success that rewarded hard working newcomers.

In 1664, he purchased a lot in Albany and later set up his home on the south side of upper State Street. Hendrick prospered in Albany and was able to obtain Schenectady property, a patent in the Mohawk Valley, and also build a new house in New York City. In 1676, he purchased a small boat. In 1685, he was commissioned a lieutenant in the Albany County militia. He was named first ward alderman in 1686 and 1687. He also served as assessor and justice. An all-around community leader, he was a member and officer of the Albany Dutch church.

He may have moved back to Manhattan during the late 1680s where he became a supporter of the insurgent Jacob Leisler.

Hendrick Cuyler filed a will in March 1690. It provided for his eight living children but left the entire estate to his wife Anna during her widowhood. The will passed probate in November.

Sources: The life of Hendrick Cuyler is CAP biography number 533. This profile is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.